Peer Pressure

Now that summer vacation is long gone and school is well underway, I am sure that many of you are beginning to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Homework, practices, chores and responsibilities are just a few of the many burdens you are facing right now. As you all know, there will be many pressures that come your way in the next few weeks and months. When I was in high school, peer pressure was the leading cause for stress in my life. I had so many friends that I wanted to please and at times I was worn very thin. Many of those friends encouraged me to do things that were not always right. I knew in my heart that I was better off to say no, but the fear of being an outcast drove me to participate in these things. Looking back, I wish that I would have had listened to the wisdom and teaching of others who tried to keep me out of trouble. More importantly, I wish that I would have taken the advice of the Lord that He gives in His word.

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were under severe persecution. They were being tempted to return to their old ways and leave the new life that they had in Christ. The author encouraged them to stay strong and do what they knew was right. Hebrews 13:13 says “let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.” No matter what is happening around you, press on for the cause of Christ. No matter what people may say, do, or think stay strong in the Lord. I encourage all of you to go forth unto HIM! Make it a point this year to not simply be one of the crowd. Leave “the camp” and do what you know is right for the One who bought you with His own shed blood!

Prized Possessions

Has there ever been a time in your life when you had a certain possession that was more precious to you than anything? Maybe it was a teddy bear, or some other stuffed animal. Perhaps the object of your affection was some sort of toy that you just had to have with you at all time. I once saved my money for an entire summer just so that I could afford to buy a certain pair of shoes. I mowed lawns, raked leaves, washed cars and even cleaned out dirty rain gutters so that I could afford the shoe I had wanted my entire life. I remember the day that I finally had the money that I needed to buy them. My Mom drove me to the mall, and as we got closer, the excitement started to build. Once we arrived, I made my way to the shoe store and finally purchased my first pair of Air Jordans! I was so careful to keep these shoes clean and neat. I washed them everyday, and even went as far as to put them back in the box every night. These shoes were special to me. I had my eye on them for so long, and now I had a pair of my very own.

The Bible tells us in the book of I Peter that we are a “peculiar people.” In other words, we are a prized possession to Almighty God. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for the salvation of your soul, and if you have trusted Him as your Savior you are the object of His divine affection. He lives to help you through every trial and He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. No matter what life may bring, remember that God loves you with an undying love and cares for you beyond any human comprehension. You are His precious object of affection!